St Albans vs St Anselm's

[Anonymous]

Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

Another direct question: Was your son admitted and you didn't choose to go or were he expelled or left because he couldn't make the grades? I really hope you are not in the SAAS community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SAAS parents have convinced themselves that their kids are somehow smarter, kinder, more intellectual and generally more academically elite than their other independent school peers. When you question why these "special boys" from "The Abbey" are going to Xavier, St. Johns, Fordham, Loyola and Providence College, you'll be lectured on no one really caring about academic prestige. You'll then be told that the economic diversity of the student body means that kids go to school at less expensive places. They usually don't choose to include that the elite schools that they pretend to not want provide merit aid, financial aid and scholarships. So, there's that.

Why does this school bother you so much? It's a tiny, humble school in NE with less than 40 kids per class. How could it possible rile you up so much?

Neither the school nor the kids rile me up. The parents suffering from delusions of superiority over schools with infinitely superior outcomes is the comical part.

NP here. It is possible that “outcomes” that Abbey parents value are different from yours. As an alum of one of the most elite universities you undoubtedly would deem “worthy” who regularly interviews applicants for admission, I would much prefer my DC exude the kindness, humility, and inner intellectual curiosity and discipline that SAAS tries to value over the bratty elitism, animosity, and entitlement that you seem to want. Sure, the Abbey could do a better job marketing its unusual curriculum and student body to some of the more elite schools, and that is a criticism I have heard even from some off the parents who are friends there. The value of the education is nonetheless exemplary and the socioeconomic diversity brings an education that is much needed in this world today.

Braggy bit bratty

Now, that’s a sophisticated argument!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

Another direct question: Was your son admitted and you didn't choose to go or were he expelled or left because he couldn't make the grades? I really hope you are not in the SAAS community.

Neither. Not Catholic, don't have a son and the school is nowhere close to where I live. I could give more reasons but I suspect your question was a rhetorical one in lieu of internalizing the actual substance of the post.

[Anonymous]

I've got a kid at SAAS and we looked at St. Albans before we decided.

Both great schools, this thread is insane. SAAS happened to be right for him. We wanted a small community, close attention from teachers, lots of sports, but we didn't particularly care if it was high-level. We knew numerous people whose sons went there and were thrilled with it. We've been extraordinarily happy with it, and don't know if our son will go to one of the most elite colleges, but are confident he'll get into the college that will do best for him, and that he'll be very, very well prepared when he gets there.

It is absurdly difficult in terms of academics, but if your kid thrives with structure or likes a challenge, they'll do great.

I can't imagine the type of insane person who would see it as an either/or with St. Albans, which is also a great school, and sets many students up for success as well. If we had another son, we would be as likely to consider St. Alban's as St. Anselm's--depends on what kind of kid he is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

Another direct question: Was your son admitted and you didn't choose to go or were he expelled or left because he couldn't make the grades? I really hope you are not in the SAAS community.

Neither. Not Catholic, don't have a son and the school is nowhere close to where I live. I could give more reasons but I suspect your question was a rhetorical one in lieu of internalizing the actual substance of the post.

Thanks for admitting you have no actual experience with the school and no direct knowledge of their exmissions over time, their curriculum, their teaching, their students, or the school. That explains a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've got a kid at SAAS and we looked at St. Albans before we decided.

Both great schools, this thread is insane. SAAS happened to be right for him. We wanted a small community, close attention from teachers, lots of sports, but we didn't particularly care if it was high-level. We knew numerous people whose sons went there and were thrilled with it. We've been extraordinarily happy with it, and don't know if our son will go to one of the most elite colleges, but are confident he'll get into the college that will do best for him, and that he'll be very, very well prepared when he gets there.

It is absurdly difficult in terms of academics, but if your kid thrives with structure or likes a challenge, they'll do great.

I can't imagine the type of insane person who would see it as an either/or with St. Albans, which is also a great school, and sets many students up for success as well. If we had another son, we would be as likely to consider St. Alban's as St. Anselm's--depends on what kind of kid he is.

Ditto this for our experience at STA. Lovely post and wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've got a kid at SAAS and we looked at St. Albans before we decided.

Both great schools, this thread is insane. SAAS happened to be right for him. We wanted a small community, close attention from teachers, lots of sports, but we didn't particularly care if it was high-level. We knew numerous people whose sons went there and were thrilled with it. We've been extraordinarily happy with it, and don't know if our son will go to one of the most elite colleges, but are confident he'll get into the college that will do best for him, and that he'll be very, very well prepared when he gets there.

It is absurdly difficult in terms of academics, but if your kid thrives with structure or likes a challenge, they'll do great.

I can't imagine the type of insane person who would see it as an either/or with St. Albans, which is also a great school, and sets many students up for success as well. If we had another son, we would be as likely to consider St. Alban's as St. Anselm's--depends on what kind of kid he is.

Ditto this for our experience at STA. Lovely post and wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment!

+1 and ours as well.

[Anonymous]

Have a graduate of SAAS and another kid at a different all boys school now…not STA. For my kid, SAAS was perfect. It’s a kind place, with involved teachers and administration that supports students’ interests. I don’t think parents who have sons attend think it is the best school around- but we think it is the best school for our kid. It is a special place and grateful for my son’s time there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have a graduate of SAAS and another kid at a different all boys school now…not STA. For my kid, SAAS was perfect. It’s a kind place, with involved teachers and administration that supports students’ interests. I don’t think parents who have sons attend think it is the best school around- but we think it is the best school for our kid. It is a special place and grateful for my son’s time there.

Also, it's perfectly natural for a parent--at St. Albans or St. Anselms--to see their kid thriving and think "This is the best school!" I'm happy to tell everyone how well SAAS is working out, but they only take 30 kids a grade. Clearly kids are going to go elsewhere... and that's fine. Even great! As long as it's the right school for the kid and not as part of some plot to score a point in an imaginary internet contest between two completely different schools.

Son is at SAAS, his best friend is at STA. Both happy and working hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

Bait taken. Decided to take it because I don’t want to turn off prospective families from this great school. No, I don’t think the Ivy or bust types are a fit, but if you are a parent looking for a great education for a DS who is willing to work hard, you can rest assured that the college options (including merit options) will take care of themselves.

Class of 2024, 35 students — here’s college outcomes for over half of the entire graduating class (18):
1 Harvard
2 Chicago
1 Notre Dame
1 Georgetown
1 Harvey Mudd
2 Carleton
1 Michigan
1 McGill
1 NYU
2 Northeastern
1 Bates
1 Kenyon
1 Reed
1 Holy Cross
1 William and Mary

Respectable enough?

Sure, a few more should be going to HYPSM and WASP, considering how smart the top of the class is, but they do just fine given that they are almost all unhooked. And nothing wrong with Case Western, RPI, Union etc. if I were to extend the list to two-thirds. One of the kids going to a so-called “lesser” school derided above, BTW, is an absolute superstar.
Here’s the cite (go to page 33): http://www.parishtimes.com/uploads/8/3/6/6/8366083/opt0524.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

Bait taken. Decided to take it because I don’t want to turn off prospective families from this great school. No, I don’t think the Ivy or bust types are a fit, but if you are a parent looking for a great education for a DS who is willing to work hard, you can rest assured that the college options (including merit options) will take care of themselves.

Class of 2024, 35 students — here’s college outcomes for over half of the entire graduating class (18):
1 Harvard
2 Chicago
1 Notre Dame
1 Georgetown
1 Harvey Mudd
2 Carleton
1 Michigan
1 McGill
1 NYU
2 Northeastern
1 Bates
1 Kenyon
1 Reed
1 Holy Cross
1 William and Mary

Respectable enough?

Sure, a few more should be going to HYPSM and WASP, considering how smart the top of the class is, but they do just fine given that they are almost all unhooked. And nothing wrong with Case Western, RPI, Union etc. if I were to extend the list to two-thirds. One of the kids going to a so-called “lesser” school derided above, BTW, is an absolute superstar.
Here’s the cite (go to page 33): http://www.parishtimes.com/uploads/8/3/6/6/8366083/opt0524.pdf

Thank you for posting this! Very helpful. Side note/question: what is WASP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

Bait taken. Decided to take it because I don’t want to turn off prospective families from this great school. No, I don’t think the Ivy or bust types are a fit, but if you are a parent looking for a great education for a DS who is willing to work hard, you can rest assured that the college options (including merit options) will take care of themselves.

Class of 2024, 35 students — here’s college outcomes for over half of the entire graduating class (18):
1 Harvard
2 Chicago
1 Notre Dame
1 Georgetown
1 Harvey Mudd
2 Carleton
1 Michigan
1 McGill
1 NYU
2 Northeastern
1 Bates
1 Kenyon
1 Reed
1 Holy Cross
1 William and Mary

Respectable enough?

Sure, a few more should be going to HYPSM and WASP, considering how smart the top of the class is, but they do just fine given that they are almost all unhooked. And nothing wrong with Case Western, RPI, Union etc. if I were to extend the list to two-thirds. One of the kids going to a so-called “lesser” school derided above, BTW, is an absolute superstar.
Here’s the cite (go to page 33): http://www.parishtimes.com/uploads/8/3/6/6/8366083/opt0524.pdf

Thank you for posting this! Very helpful. Side note/question: what is WASP?

Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore, Pomona — but stay away from college threads as long as you can!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Directly answering the question, none of the handful of kids who I know personally at SAAS were particularly impressive. One was a less-than-bright rich kid from Arlington who hadn't gotten into other schools and one came from a fairly hardcore Catholic family that had been rejected from Gonzaga.

To emphasize the previous points, none of this is criticism of the list of colleges in the previous post. It's a criticism of the parents who have convinced themselves that the school is only appropriate for the most academically rigorous and intellectually curious kids. It's total crap and the outcomes confirm that. While college outcomes are not the only gauge, they certainly are at least one data point.

Bait taken. Decided to take it because I don’t want to turn off prospective families from this great school. No, I don’t think the Ivy or bust types are a fit, but if you are a parent looking for a great education for a DS who is willing to work hard, you can rest assured that the college options (including merit options) will take care of themselves.

Class of 2024, 35 students — here’s college outcomes for over half of the entire graduating class (18):
1 Harvard
2 Chicago
1 Notre Dame
1 Georgetown
1 Harvey Mudd
2 Carleton
1 Michigan
1 McGill
1 NYU
2 Northeastern
1 Bates
1 Kenyon
1 Reed
1 Holy Cross
1 William and Mary

Respectable enough?

Sure, a few more should be going to HYPSM and WASP, considering how smart the top of the class is, but they do just fine given that they are almost all unhooked. And nothing wrong with Case Western, RPI, Union etc. if I were to extend the list to two-thirds. One of the kids going to a so-called “lesser” school derided above, BTW, is an absolute superstar.
Here’s the cite (go to page 33): http://www.parishtimes.com/uploads/8/3/6/6/8366083/opt0524.pdf

Thank you for posting this! Very helpful. Side note/question: what is WASP?

And there was 1 Brown in Class of 2024 too…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a STA son and best friend's son attends SAAS.
STA is a much wealthier and connected crowd overall (honestly, it's kind of night and day) but there are regular Joes there as well (my family is one of them so we know many of the others). Sports are at a higher level and focus at STA but not the level of say Georgetown Prep or Gonzaga. SAAS plays in a lower league which can be good for a boy who wants to play sports but isn't a standout athlete. It can be difficult to get playing time at STA in some sports. Not all but some and it depends on the year. There is also boys in each STA grade who aren't focused on sports at all. SAAS has a higher percentage of quirky/geeky boys but they exist at both schools. Honestly you can't stereotype the boys at either. You have plenty of academics at STA and athletes at SAAS. Teachers are fantastic at both. Academics are very strong at both. I don't think you can go wrong. I would tour both and see what feels more like home. And check the commute! They are quite far apart and you are bound to live much closer to one.

I work in education and have familiarity with both schools. I do think there are much quirkier kids at SAAS than STA. STA just has more of a whos-who feel to the parent community, and that's reflected in the kids, too. SAAS has some VERY quirky kids -- and parents. But what's nice about it that if your kid is a super-nerd, he will fit right in. In terms of the facility, tough to beat STA, which is an incredible campus in the shadows of the Cathedral. but if you don't care about facility, SAAS has a nice homey feel to it and there are some really wonderful teachers there. STA is more social. if your kid is social, SAAS might not feel like a fit.